22 November 2016

Leading hospitality company Dusit International has signed a management agreement with Phuket-based property developer Layana Development Co., Ltd. to operate the dusitD2 Phuket Aria in Surin Beach.

Located on the west coast of Phuket between Bang Tao and Kamala Beaches, and just 30 minutes by car from Phuket International Airport, Surin Beach is dubbed ‘Millionaire’s Row’ due to its cluster of high-end resorts and residences which regularly play host to A-list celebrities. Key to the area’s appeal are its long sandy beach, crystal clear waters, diverse range of stylish bars and restaurants, and serene village atmosphere.

Situated on 0.28 hectares of verdant land a short walk from Surin’s white sands, dusitD2 Phuket Aria will comprise about 210 rooms and will operate under Dusit International’s dusitD2 brand, whose distinctive combination of cutting-edge design, high-tech connectivity and efficient, modern convenience reflects the needs and desires of today’s tech-savvy travellers.

The project is being designed by Hong Kong and Thailand-based architecture company Original Vision. Room categories will range from studios and one-bedroom units to two-bedroom units and family suites. Ideal for long-stay guests, all rooms will feature a pantry equipped for simple cooking.

In line with dusitD2 branding, the eight-storey building is slated to open in 2020 and will have a modern and sleek design with beige tones accented by vibrant artworks and warm colours. A rooftop infinity pool and terrace will offer views of the Andaman Sea, while an adjoining all-day-dining restaurant will serve international and Thai favourites in a lively rooftop setting. Rooms will be set around a courtyard garden, adding to the property’s exotic appeal.

The project is located just 15 minutes by car from Dusit International’s renowned five-star Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket hotel, which recently celebrated its 29th anniversary.

Speaking at the signing ceremony for the new project, held on November 18 at Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, Dusit International’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Suphajee Suthumpun, said the company was delighted to be partnering with Layana Development Co., Ltd. for the project.

“Surin Beach is a wonderful destination and the hip, young, design-conscious crowd it attracts is the ideal market for our distinctively modern brand,” she said. “We look forward to working with Layana Development to create an experience that not only delights in terms of contemporary design and gracious service, but which also meets the needs of today’s hyper-connected travellers.”

Ms Edamel Chua Boon Chin, Director of Layana Development Co., Ltd., said, “We are thrilled to be partnering with a hospitality company as experienced as Dusit International. My business partner, Michael, and I are both involved in family businesses, so we both understand the culture of cultivating long-term relationships with our staff, partners and customers, and through our conversations with Dusit it was clear the company believes in long term benefits for its chosen partners. We are confident that, with Dusit’s expertise, the dusitD2 brand in Surin Beach will be a huge success and will also pave the way for more exciting developments to come.”

Dusit International currently operates five hotels under the dusitD2 brand across Thailand, China, Kenya and USA. A further 13 dusitD2 properties are in the pipeline and are scheduled to open in Bhutan, Mongolia, Myanmar, Oman, the Philippines, Qatar, and the UAE. Other brands in Dusit International’s distinctive international portfolio include Dusit Thani, Dusit Princess and Dusit Devarana.